BASKETBALL: McDaniel named to Calhoun-Gordon Hall of Fame

A man who began his basketball career under segregation and elevated it while helping younger generations is once again being recognized for his service.

Ezekiel “Zeke” McDaniel was among the group recently announced as the newest inductees into the Calhoun-Gordon County Sports Hall of Fame.

McDaniel, who

starred at Stephens High School in Calhoun from 1948-1952, coached at the Georgia School for the Deaf in Cave Spring for 21 years, 11 of those as the head boys’ basketball coach.

While there, McDaniel led the Tigers to five Mason-Dixon Tournament championships, including three years in a row. He also won five National Deaf Prep titles and was named the Deaf Prep Coach of the Decade for the 1970s.

After graduating from Stephens, McDaniel went on to Savannah State University where he played four different sports. He was a team captain and four-year letterman in football, started as a freshman in basketball, and also lettered in baseball and track and field during his time there.

McDaniel became a teacher and coach after graduating from college. He was the head basketball coach at Stephens when he led the team to the 1961 state championship.

He was also the head track and field coach as his team won state championships in 1960 and 1961.

A former Rome News-Tribune employee, McDaniel serves as a deacon at Thankful Baptist Church and a unit commander of the United Veterans of the Armed Forces, Northwest Georgia Chapter.

He and his wife, Corrie, reside in Rome.

McDaniel and the other six inductees will be inducted during the Hall of Fame Banquet on Aug. 13 at Georgia Northwestern Techical College. To inquire about tickets, email calhoungordonsports@gmail.com or visit the Hall of Fame’s website at www.cgcshf.com.